here - College of Arts & Sciences - Bethel University

Performance is fine as long as you actually make arguments. Don't expect to pick up my
ballot just because you performed better than your opponent. I've also seen a number of
irony debaters this year, but must admit that I am not a fan.
Any additional comments:
Two basic principles underline my philosophy. First, I believe that debate is about
having fun. Play to your strengths and do what you do best. This means that you should
make whatever arguments you think will win you the round. I am fine with you running
Baudrillard, and I am also fine with you running Delay and Politics. Second, I privilege
well-warranted arguments and smart strategic decisions. Development of arguments is
important, and I think that this is difficult to accomplish in a 45-minute debate round if
you are going for 6 positions in the LOR.
Dont expect to pick up my ballot on "fact good" or RVI's on T. Absent a specific voter, I
will default to rejecting the argument and not the team on things like PICS, Consult,
Delay, Severance, etc.
Fiorta, Tim
University of Notre Dame
Background of the critic:
Currently, I am a second year law student (and second year Parli coach and judge). I
debated Parli for 4 years as an undergrad. Before that, I did 3 years of policy in high
school.
Approach of the critic to decision-making (for example, adherence to the trichotomy,
stock-issues, policymaker, tabula rasa, etc.):
Basically, you tell me. Make me do as little work as possible, and we will all be happier
at the end of the day.
Relative importance of presentation/communication skills to the critic in decision-making
:
Certainly, communication skills impact your persuasiveness. However, assuming you can
make coherent arguments, presentation will only impact your speaker points.
Relative importance of on-case argumentation to the critic in decision-making:
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